Zhongyi Pool

Zhongyi Pool

When it comes to Zhongyi Pool at Paopi in the west of Yongxin County, one must mention the "Record of Zhongyi Pool" written by He Yisun, a renowned poet and scholar of the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. During the Anti-Japanese War, this text was carved into the cliffs on the northern shore of Zhongyi Pool as a memorial, inspiring people to uphold the spirit of dying rather than submitting and to unite in resisting the Japanese invasion. The "Record of Zhongyi Pool" was also included in the Chinese language textbooks of schools at that time.

The origin of the name Zhongyi Pool dates back to the late Southern Song Dynasty, when the court was politically corrupt and suffered repeated military defeats. The Yuan army advanced relentlessly toward the Southern Song capital. Most court officials advocated for peace, with only a few supporting resistance. Wen Tianxiang led many soldiers in a desperate fight, but eventually became isolated. "The imperial decree has fallen silent, the sword in its sheath rings hollow"—Wen Tianxiang was captured while on a diplomatic mission to the Yuan camp. His brother-in-law, Peng Zhenlong, the magistrate of Yongxin, was deeply distressed. He rallied eight prominent local families—Liu, Yan, Zhang, Duan, and others—to form a militia, which swiftly reclaimed the county town. However, due to the fierce and well-supplied advance of the Yuan forces, coupled with the cowardice of Liu Shuo, a local Southern Song commander, who not only surrendered to the Yuan but also led them to attack Yongxin, the defenders were left without reinforcements. With supplies exhausted, the city fell and Peng Zhenlong was captured. The Yuan army pursued the remnants of the militia relentlessly. As they retreated while fighting, the soldiers were finally cornered in the gorge near the ferry at Bixia, 1.5 kilometers west of the county town. Seeing no hope of escape and "unwilling to stain the enemy’s blades with their blood," the 3,000 soldiers tied massive stones to themselves and jumped into the pool to their deaths. To commemorate these brave warriors, later generations renamed the mountain ridge opposite Zhaqi Mountain as "Fan’gan Ridge," erected a stone stele at the site where the martyrs perished, inscribed with the three large characters “Zhongyi Pool” (Pool of Loyalty and Righteousness), and built the Zhongyi Shrine.

In the "Record of Zhongyi Pool," He Yisun provides a detailed account of the heroic act of the 3,000 soldiers who sacrificed themselves for their country by collectively jumping into the pool, leaving readers filled with deep emotion.

In addition to He Yisun's "Record of Zhongyi Pool," many other poems and essays have been passed down. Yin Tai, a minister of the Ministry of Rites during the Ming Dynasty, visited the Zhongyi Shrine and wrote: “Weeping over the fallen spears of the south, how could loyal troops save a fallen Song? The green hills and ancient trees mourn, the clear waters and fragrant shrine evoke much sorrow.”

Time flies, and years pass. Today, a magnificent dam has been built near Zhongyi Pool. In spring and summer, its surging waters create a stunning waterfall-like landscape. Not far away, imposing city defense works stand tall, and uniquely designed farmhouses are nestled among lush fruit trees. The charming natural scenery, majestic cultural landmarks, and moving historical legends make Zhongyi Pool in the suburbs a popular destination for both leisure and patriotic education.